Eli Lilly and Co. chairman to undergo surgery on aorta

5:59 PM,
May 6, 2013

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Eli Lilly and Co. said Monday that its chairman, president and CEO, John Lechleiter, will undergo surgery for a dilated aorta on May 13 and will be off the job until sometime this summer.

"This condition was found during unrelated testing," the Indianapolis drug maker said in a news release. "Lechleiter is expected to make a full recovery and return to his duties later this summer."

Under the company's bylaws, Derica Rice, who is executive vice president and chief financial officer, will take on Lechleiter's CEO duties starting May 13 and until he returns, the company said. Rice, 48, has been ...